Last Updated: March 2026
Interested in starting a business in Missouri? This guide covers everything you need to know about Missouri LLC formation services, including the state's $50 formation fee, annual report structure, and no franchise tax.
This guide covers:
Whether you're starting a business in Kansas City, launching a tech company in St. Louis, or setting up a consulting practice anywhere in the Show-Me State, you'll know exactly what you're getting into with a Missouri LLC.
Missouri's $50 formation fee is among the lowest in the United States, making it an attractive state for entrepreneurs looking to minimize startup costs.
Annual report requirement. Missouri requires LLCs to file an annual report with a $45 fee, due on the LLC's anniversary date each year. This is a relatively modest compliance requirement compared to many other states, but it must be tracked and paid to keep your LLC in good standing.
No franchise tax. Missouri has no franchise tax on LLCs. Profits pass through to members and are taxed on personal returns only. This is a significant advantage compared to states like California ($800/year minimum franchise tax) or New York (up to $4,500+/year). If you elect corporate taxation, Missouri's corporate income tax rates apply separately.
Registered agent requirement. Every Missouri LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical Missouri address. P.O. boxes are not permitted. Using a professional registered agent service keeps your home address off public records and ensures legal documents and state notices are handled reliably during business hours.
Major business hubs. Kansas City and St. Louis are Missouri's two major metropolitan business centers, with diverse industries spanning agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. Missouri's central location and business-friendly environment have attracted significant corporate investment from both national and international companies.
Missouri does not legally require a written operating agreement, but it is strongly recommended. Without one, Missouri's default LLC statutes govern your business, which may not reflect your intentions — especially for multi-member LLCs. LLC Attorney can help you draft an operating agreement that will protect you, your partners, and your personal assets.
Before comparing services, here's what you're actually filing.
What you file: Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State. You must designate a registered agent with a physical Missouri street address. P.O. boxes are not allowed.
State filing fee: $50 (one-time formation fee; annual report fee of $45 applies each year thereafter).
Standard processing: 3–5 business days for standard state processing. Many formation services offer expedited submission to the state.
Using a professional registered agent keeps your home address off public records and ensures you receive legal documents and state notices properly. An operating agreement is not required by law but is strongly recommended, especially for multi-member LLCs.
Companies like LLC Attorney, LegalZoom, and Northwest Registered Agent operate nationwide. They're your best bet if you're planning to grow beyond Missouri, need extra support services, or think you might register in other states down the road.
National providers bundle in services beyond registered agent services — for instance, compliance calendars, annual report filing, tax election changes, document storage, and expert support. If you expand to multiple states, you can manage everything from one dashboard with one provider. Pricing runs from $125 to $249 per year. Northwest charges $125/year. LegalZoom is at the higher end with $249/year. LLC Attorney structures things differently by bundling registered agent service into their compliance plans starting at $14.99/month. That Standard plan includes mail scanning and access to professionally trained Business Success Advisors.
Local Missouri providers focus exclusively on in-state services. They primarily serve Missouri-only businesses seeking standalone registered agent services. While local providers are typically lower cost for registered agent services alone, they offer limited support beyond basic compliance services and cannot assist with multi-state operations.
Choose a local provider if:
Choose a national provider if:
Consider LLC Attorney specifically if you want professionally guided services with room to grow. View LLC Attorney pricing or see how Missouri LLC formation with first year registered agent service works.
Here's what each provider charges before you add anything else:
Main Pricing Comparison
| Provider | Starter/Basic Plan | Mid-Tier Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney | $49 + state fee | Professional: $199 + state fee | International+: $399 + state fee |
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fee | Pro: $199/yr | Premium: ~$349 (renews $399/yr) |
| Bizee | $0 + state fee | Standard: $199 + state fee | Premium: $299 + state fee |
| LegalZoom | $0 + state fee | Pro: $249 + state fee | Premium: $299 + state fee |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fee | N/A (Single tier) | N/A |
Cheapest upfront: ZenBusiness, Bizee, and LegalZoom advertise $0 plans, but these exclude essential services you'll need to pay for separately.
Most transparent: Northwest ($39 + state fee) and LLC Attorney ($49 + state fee) show you the real starting price with clearer included features.
Professional formation: LLC Attorney provides professionally trained Business Success Advisors who can guide you through decisions. LegalZoom offers attorney connections through their premium plans.
24-hour filing included: LLC Attorney includes same-day filing at no extra cost. Most competitors charge between $50 to $170 for expediting, a significant hidden cost when you need quick turnaround.
Hidden reality: Those "free" plans become $200-400+ once you add required services like registered agent, EIN, and operating agreement.
Let's compare what's actually included at each price tier. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, understanding the complete package of services is critical when forming your business entity.
| Service Component | LLC Attorney [Starter ($49)] | ZenBusiness Starter | Bizee Basic | LegalZoom Basic | Northwest (Single Tier) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formation filing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 24-hour expedited filing | ✓ Included | $100+ add-on | $100+ add-on | $100+ add-on | Available for fee |
| Registered agent (Year 1) | Via subscription ($14.99/mo) | $99 (Year 1) | FREE then $119/yr | $249/year | Included for Year 1 |
| Operating agreement | ✓ Professionally drafted | $99 add-on | $40 add-on | Add-on | Free template ($50 custom) |
| EIN filing | ✗ | $99 add-on | $70 add-on | In Pro | Add-on |
| Certificate of Good Standing | ✗ | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on (~$50) |
| Bank Resolution | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Attorney-trained support | ✓ Business Success Advisors | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Attorney consultation | Flat-fee 30-min sessions | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Privacy/anonymous filing | ✓ Standard (WY, DE, NM, NV) | Limited | Limited | Limited | Yes (Strong) |
| Customer support | Business Success Advisors + attorney access | Chat/email | Chat/email | Chat/email/phone | Phone/email (highly rated) |
| Service Component | LLC Attorney [Professional ($199)] | ZenBusiness Pro ($199/yr) | Bizee Standard ($199) | LegalZoom Pro ($249) | Northwest (Single tier) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everything in Basic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N/A |
| Statutory agent | Via subscription ($29.99/mo) | $199/year (not included, separate purchase) | Yes ($119 renewal) | $249/year separate | N/A |
| Operating agreement | ✓ Professionally drafted | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | N/A |
| EIN filing | ✓ Included | Add-on | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | N/A |
| Certificate of Good Standing | ✓ Included | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | N/A |
| 24-hour expedited filing | ✓ Included | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | N/A |
| Free amendment/name change | ✓ First 90 days | Add-on | Add-on | ✗ | N/A |
| Tax election support | ✓ S-Corp coordination | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Attorney consultation | Flat-fee 30-min sessions | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Legal documents | Via subscriptions | ✗ | ✗ | 150+ templates (1 yr) | N/A |
| Bookkeeping tools | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 90 days (then $9.99/mo) | N/A |
| Service Component | LLC Attorney [International + ($399)] | ZenBusiness Premium (~$349/$399) | Bizee Premium ($299) | LegalZoom Premium ($299) | Northwest (N/A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everything in Mid-Tier | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N/A |
| Free attorney consultation if sued | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | 30-min consultations (30 days) | N/A |
| Unlimited OA updates | ✓ Custom OA + changes | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited state filings | ✓ Pay only state fee | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited Good Standing certificates | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited mail scans | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Business address + mail | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Meeting minutes | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Legal document templates | ✓ Access | Templates | Templates | Templates | N/A |
| Domain/website | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N/A |
LLC Attorney: Offers professionally trained Business Success Advisors, 24-hour filing included in every package, professionally drafted Operating Agreements, flat-fee attorney consultations, and optional subscription tiers for ongoing compliance support. Serves all 50 states with multi-state anonymous filing options. Standard subscription includes CTA compliance assistance and mail scanning.
Registered agent service is legally required in Missouri. You must have one to maintain your LLC. Providers advertising "$0" formation charge separately for this mandatory service.
Using a registered agent keeps your home address off public records and ensures you receive legal documents properly — a requirement under Missouri business formation laws.
| Provider | First Year RA Cost | Renewal Cost (Annual) | Included in Base? |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney | Included in monthly compliance subscription ($14.99/mo on Starter) | Included in monthly compliance subscription ($14.99/mo on Starter) | Via subscription |
| ZenBusiness | $99 (add-on to Starter) | $199/year | Not included Starter or Pro; Premium only |
| Bizee | Free first year | $119/year | Free first year, then paid |
| LegalZoom | $249/year | $249/year | Not included (always paid) |
| Northwest Registered Agent | Free first year (with formation) | $125/year | Free first year |
LegalZoom has the highest registered agent costs ($249/yr) and never includes a free first year, even with premium packages. LLC Attorney bundles registered agent service with compliance subscriptions that also include mail scanning — services you'll need anyway as your business grows.
Missouri's annual report requirement ($45/year) means your primary ongoing compliance costs include both registered agent service and the annual report fee. Factor both into your total cost calculation from day one to avoid budget surprises.
Different providers have different standard processing times for LLC formation filings. Some providers include expedited filing in their base packages, while others charge additional fees for faster processing.
| Provider | Standard Timeline | Expedited Options |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney | 24 business hours | Included (no extra charge) |
| ZenBusiness | 7-10 business days | Available for $79+ fee |
| Bizee | 5-10 business days | Available from $50 (dependent on state) |
| LegalZoom | Up to 30 business days (Basic) | $100+ for 1-5 days |
| Northwest | Standard processing | Available for fee |
LLC Attorney: 24-hour filing is included in every package, even the $49 Starter. When competitors charge $79+ for expedited processing, this alone can make LLC Attorney's $49 base price more cost-effective than "free" alternatives. Plus, professionally trained Business Success Advisors review your filing before submission, reducing the risk of costly errors and rejections that delay your formation even further.
LLC Attorney:
LegalZoom Premium:
All Other Providers:
The quality of customer support matters when you're navigating complex business formation decisions.
| Provider | Support Quality | Attorney Access | Customer Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney | Business Success Advisors + attorney access | Yes | 4.3/5 on Trustpilot (December, 2025) |
| LegalZoom | Phone/chat/email 7 days | Premium only (30 days) | 4.6/5 on Trustpilot (December 2025) |
| Northwest | Great phone/email | No | 3.8/5 on Trustpilot (December 2025) |
| ZenBusiness | Chat/email | No | 4.8/5 on Trustpilot (December, 2025) |
| Bizee | Chat/email | No | 4.7/5 on Trustpilot (December, 2025) |
What sets LLC Attorney apart: Business Success Advisors aren't just customer service reps — they're professionally trained professionals who understand business law. They can guide your entity selection decisions, explain ownership structures, and help you determine when you need full attorney consultation. This level of expertise is unavailable from chat-only support teams at other providers.
Missouri LLCs must file an annual report ($45) by their anniversary date each year. Every LLC also needs registered agent service and ongoing compliance support to maintain good standing. Compliance memberships provide proactive support for these needs.
LLC Attorney:
LegalZoom: Separate compliance services (extra cost), pay per transaction or service. Others: Automated alerts only, no attorney guidance, you're on your own to figure out requirements.
Why this matters: According to the Small Business Administration, failing to maintain compliance can result in administrative dissolution, loss of liability protection, and penalties. Having professionally trained advisors available gives you confidence you're handling Missouri's requirements correctly.
Here's what you'll actually pay over three years, including required services. This realistic comparison factors in costs that every LLC needs: formation, registered agent, operating agreement, EIN, and compliance monitoring.
Assumptions: MO LLC, $50 state fee, registered agent required, operating agreement recommended, EIN needed
| Provider | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney (Starter + Standard subscription) | $278.88 ($49 + $50 state + $179.88 subscription) | $179.88 | $179.88 | $638.64 |
| LegalZoom (Basic + required add-ons) | ~$548 ($0 + $249 RA + $50 state + $249 Pro for OA/EIN) | $249 (RA renewal) | $249 | ~$1,046 |
| ZenBusiness (Starter + add-ons) | ~$347 ($0 Starter + $50 state + $99 RA (Yr 1) + $99 OA + $99 EIN) | ~$199 (RA renewal) | ~$199 | ~$745 |
| Bizee (Basic + add-ons) | ~$160 ($0 Basic + $50 state + $0 RA (Yr 1 free) + $40 OA + $70 EIN) | $119 (RA renewal) | $119 | ~$398 |
| Northwest | ~$139 ($39 formation + $50 state + $0 RA (Yr 1 free) + ~$50 EIN) | $125 (RA renewal) | $125 | ~$389 |
Best choice: LLC Attorney
Why they win: 24-hour filing included at no extra charge (competitors charge $79+); professionally trained Business Success Advisors review before submission, catching issues that would cause rejections; when opportunity knocks, you need to be ready.
When speed matters: Time-sensitive contracts, investment/funding deadlines, real estate closings, urgent business opportunities with tight deadlines.
Real-world example: When you're closing on a Kansas City rental property and need an LLC for financing, LLC Attorney's included 24-hour filing means you're ready on time. Competitors' standard processing would miss your deadline, forcing you to pay expedite fees or worse, lose the property.
Best choice: LLC Attorney
Why they win: Attorney-trained advisors understand privacy structuring and strategic planning; multi-state expertise when you need privacy protection across jurisdictions. Alternative: Northwest (strong privacy, no attorney support). Caution: ZenBusiness, Bizee, LegalZoom (data-sharing concerns reported by users).
Best choice: LLC Attorney
Why they win: Attorney consultation for complex structuring; Professionally drafted Operating Agreements, customized for your ownership structure; Business Success Advisors guide entity selection; tax strategy support (LLC vs. S-Corp); Professional package includes tax election change support.
When needed: Multi-member with unequal ownership; real estate portfolios (holding + subsidiaries); business + real estate separation; S-Corp election consideration; high-net-worth planning.
Real-world example: Setting up a St. Louis-based holding company with multiple property LLCs and three members who want different profit distributions requires professionally drafted operating agreements. Template services provide generic documents that don't address your structure, forcing you to hire an attorney later to fix it.
Best choice: LLC Attorney
LLC Attorney subscriptions: Standard ($14.99/mo): Registered agent + CTA compliance + 5 free mail scans. Professional ($29.99/mo): Standard + unlimited mail scans + unlimited OA updates + legal templates. Virtual Office+ ($49.99/mo): Professional + custom OA + unlimited Certificates of Good Standing + unlimited state filings + free attorney consultation if sued.
Business Success Advisors provide professionally trained support and guide entity selection, structure, and compliance. Flat-fee 30-minute attorney sessions available anytime. LegalZoom Premium offers only 30-day attorney access with third-party attorneys, then you're on your own.
When needed: First-time owners; multi-state operations; regulated industries; want attorney support "on call"; growing businesses needing ongoing legal documents.
Best choices: Bizee or Northwest for absolute lowest cost; consider LLC Attorney if budget allows
For absolute lowest: Bizee Basic ($0 + state fee) with free registered agent year 1; Northwest ($39 + state fee) with transparent pricing and excellent support.
Consider LLC Attorney if: Budget allows $49 + state fee; you want 24-hour filing included (saves $79+ on expediting); professionally drafted Operating Agreement; Business Success Advisors to prevent costly mistakes. Reality check: "Free" plans cost $160-400+ with required add-ons. LLC Attorney's $49 Starter includes 24-hour filing + professionally drafted OA. Caution for budget: LegalZoom (highest registered agent costs at $249/yr).
Missouri is one of the most affordable states in the country to form an LLC. With a $50 formation fee and no franchise tax, your upfront and ongoing costs stay low. However, choosing an LLC formation service isn't about the lowest advertised price. When you factor in required add-ons like registered agent service, operating agreements, and EIN filing, plus Missouri's annual report fee ($45) and ongoing RA costs, the real price differences narrow considerably.
For Missouri entrepreneurs — whether you're in Kansas City's thriving startup scene, St. Louis's established business community, or anywhere else in the state — LLC Attorney bridges the gap between expensive law firms and template-only online services. You get professionally guided formation with 24-hour filing included, professionally trained Business Success Advisors, and competitive pricing.
The right choice depends on your specific needs, but for most entrepreneurs, professionally guided formation at competitive pricing makes LLC Attorney the smart middle ground between expensive law firms and template-only services. Missouri's low formation costs make it a great state to start — make sure you pair that advantage with the right formation partner.
Missouri charges a $50 state filing fee for Articles of Organization — one of the lowest formation fees in the United States. This is a one-time cost. You'll also need to budget for a registered agent service (required by law) and an annual report fee of $45 due each year on your LLC's anniversary date.
Formation service fees vary by provider: LLC Attorney charges $49 + state fee for its Starter package, while services like ZenBusiness and Bizee advertise $0 but charge separately for required services like registered agent and operating agreement.
Yes. Missouri LLCs must file an annual report with the Missouri Secretary of State. The fee is $45, due on the LLC's anniversary date each year (the month and day you originally registered). Missing this deadline can result in penalties and eventually administrative dissolution of your LLC.
LLC Attorney's compliance subscriptions include reminders and support to help you stay on top of this requirement. Some providers offer annual report filing as an add-on service.
No. Missouri does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs. Profits pass through to members and are taxed on personal income tax returns only. This is a significant advantage over states like California (which charges a minimum $800/year franchise tax) or New York (which can charge up to $4,500+/year). Missouri's combination of no franchise tax, low formation fee, and modest annual report fee makes it one of the more cost-effective states to maintain an LLC.
Yes. You can serve as your own registered agent in Missouri if you have a physical Missouri address (P.O. boxes are not permitted). However, most business owners choose a professional registered agent service for several reasons: it keeps your home address off public records, ensures documents are received and handled reliably during business hours even when you're traveling, and provides a layer of privacy and professionalism.
Missouri does not legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement. However, having one is strongly recommended. Without a written operating agreement, Missouri's default LLC statutes govern your business — which may not reflect your intentions, especially for multi-member LLCs with complex ownership arrangements.
LLC Attorney provides professionally drafted operating agreements customized for your specific business structure, rather than generic templates. This is particularly important for multi-member LLCs, businesses with unequal profit distributions, or any structure where member roles and responsibilities need to be clearly defined.
Missouri offers several advantages for LLC formation: a low $50 formation fee (among the lowest in the US), no franchise tax, and relatively modest annual maintenance costs. Kansas City and St. Louis are two major metropolitan business centers with diverse economies spanning agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and healthcare — providing strong markets for businesses of all types.
Missouri's central geographic location also makes it attractive for businesses serving regional or national markets. The state has actively attracted corporate investment and offers a business-friendly regulatory environment compared to many coastal states.
LLC Attorney has helped launch and support over 100,000 businesses across all 50 states. Founded on the principle that entrepreneurs deserve professionally guided formation services at affordable prices, LLC Attorney bridges the gap between expensive law firms and template-only online services.
With professionally trained Business Success Advisors, flat-fee attorney consultations, and comprehensive subscription services, LLC Attorney provides the professional guidance you need to start and grow your business confidently. Learn more at LLCAttorney.com.
Disclaimer: This comparison guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Prices and features are accurate as of March 2026 but may change. Always verify current pricing and features on provider websites before making a purchase decision. State filing fees vary by state and are not included in the prices shown unless otherwise noted. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Last updated: March 2026